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What’s the Right Way to Polish a Porcelain Veneer?

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Hello there,

I noticed a flaw or scratch in one of my porcelain veneers. My cosmetic dentist said that he could fix it. However by fixing the scratch, he removed the glaze from my veneer, making it dull and matte-looking. Now that the glaze has been removed, is my tooth vulnerable to staining? Do I need to get a new veneer altogether? The tooth looks fine in my mouth, but when I smile, the tooth is noticeably less shiny.

Please help.

Kana, from Rochester, MN

 

Hi Kana,

You are correct, without the glaze, your porcelain veneer is more prone to staining. The good news is, there is a procedure that allows you to polish a porcelain veneer. The process results in a veneer that looks nearly identical to a veneer with its original shine.

This procedure does need to be done by a cosmetic dentist. You can see your current dentist, as it does not require high levels of skill, such as a smile makeover would. Your dentist does need to have diamond polishing instruments and diamond polishing paste.

If you dentist has these tools and the capability, and you are happy with his work, you can see him. However, if you want a higher shine, you may want to seek out a different cosmetic dentist for a glossier shine.

This blog post is brought to you by Colorado Springs cosmetic dentist, Dr. Joseph Rota, of Rota Advanced Dental Care.

Can I Get Dental Treatment if I’m in Treatment for Addiction?

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Hi,

I am in need of a smile makeover. I found a cosmetic dentist in my area who specializes in dental implantology. However, when I informed him that I was in recovery from drug addiction, he refused to take my case. I would need several dental implants, as my lifestyle has wreaked havoc on my teeth over the years. Now that I’m in a methadone clinic, I’d like to keep improving my health and my life. I need extensive work, and would like it as cost-efficient as possible. However, I need a doctor who will treat my pain seriously during surgery and after getting implants, and not judge me based on my past. How can I find a dentist who will work with me?

Mizuki from Cincinnati, Ohio

 

Hi Mizuki,

Finding a dentist that does sedation will be necessary in your case. Your dentist can use nitrous oxide to put you under to do your treatment. Nitrous oxide is not addictive and wears off quickly. A skilled sedation dentist can also give you the best post surgery medication. Extra-strength ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be post-treatment options for you, as they are non-addictive. If you sign a waiver, your dentist can coordinate with your counselor about your care.

Unfortunately, nearly every city across America is struggling with an opioid epidemic. Due to this, dentists and doctors have been extra careful what medication they prescribe, and to whom they prescribe it to. Medical professionals, including dentists, want to avoid getting in trouble with the Drug Enforcement Agency, hence the hesitation in working with you. However, you can still get the treatment you need. Just make a few calls and explain your situation. You should be able to find someone to give you the smile makeover you deserve, and for a price you can afford.

This blog post is brought to you by Colorado Springs affordable dental implant provider, Dr. Joseph Rota, of Rota Advanced Dental Care.

My Crown Doesn’t Look Right

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Hi,

I had to get a porcelain crown on one of my front teeth after a root canal. I’ve gone back to my dentist several times to get it to match, but had no luck. The first crown was too white, and the one he bonded into my mouth does not match my surrounding teeth. I thought it was OK at first, but it’s causing me stress and a lack of confidence. My dentist is willing to re-do it again, but I worry I’m being too demanding. Should I ask my dentist to try again, or just keep my crown the way it is?

Thank you,

Janelle, from Nebraska

 

Hi Janelle,

If you are all right with a crown that does not quite match, then keep seeing your current general dentist. However, if you want a crown that will match the rest of your teeth, you’ll have to seek out a dentist with experience in cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the ADA, but some dentists have had the additional training in cosmetic and restorative dentistry needed to help you. Finding a cosmetic dentist with the artistry to match your teeth to your crown will be difficult; most general dentists get around this by doing crowns on both your front teeth, so they’ll match perfectly. Any color variations between the front teeth and the crowns will make your crown look fake.

Your general dentist is doing his best, but likely lacks the skills or equipment needed to match your crown to your teeth. Otherwise, he would not have bonded in a tooth that did not match. However, sending crowns back and forth to the dental lab is not uncommon, even if you were seeing a cosmetic dentist. The dentist and lab technician need to be able to communicate clearly about what needs to be done, particularly about the color.

One way to match teeth closely is to use a high-tech camera capable of taking dental photographs. The dentist will hold a  standard tooth shade chart next to your teeth and take a photo, which is then sent to the lab. This helps the master ceramist at the lab correctly match your teeth to your crown. If the new crown still doesn’t match, the dentist can do a try-in with the tooth and take another photo for the lab. This process helps everyone involved get the most desirable results.

Unfortunately, your general dentist likely does not have access to this type of equipment. Also, dental schools do not go into great detail when they teach students about color variation and matching; a dentist would need additional training in cosmetic dentistry in order to effectively match shades. For the best results, look for a cosmetic dentist to re-do your crown.

This blog post is brought to you by Colorado Springs cosmetic dentist, Dr. Joseph Rota. Dr. Rota is a general dentist who has won awards for his cosmetic dentistry work.

 

 

Are Cosmetic Emergencies Still Emergencies?

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Hi,

I’ve happily had several porcelain veneers on my upper front teeth for over a decade. However, the worst thing happened – I broke one of the veneers on my front teeth in half, and it fell off. My dentist has temporarily glued it back on, and made me an appointment for a temporary tooth next week. My tooth doesn’t feel secure, and I’m worried it will fall off again. I wanted to get in for an emergency appointment, but he handles painful emergencies, not cosmetic ones. Would another dentist treat this as an emergency? And would the best replacement be a veneer or a crown?

Thank you.

Clint, from Charleston, West Virginia

 

Hi Clint,

Cosmetic emergencies are still dental emergencies. Your dentist not treating it as one highlights the divide between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Since your tooth is still functional, it’s not an emergency to your general dentist. However, since your temporary tooth is not aesthetic, it’s causing you stress. A cosmetic dentist would treat your smile concerns seriously.

For the best solution to your problem, you should seek out a cosmetic dentist. An expert cosmetic dentist would be able to match the color of your remaining veneers to the new one perfectly. Just be aware that cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the ADA; however, you should be able to find a dentist that has received additional training in cosmetic dental concerns.

Getting a new veneer should be sufficient for you, you won’t need a crown. You also won’t need to go back to your old dentist who made the veneers, either. The cosmetic dentist will remove the glue and bonding material leftover from the broken veneer, and this will help your new porcelain veneer bond to your tooth surface.

This blog post is brought to you by award-winning Colorado Springs cosmetic dentist, Dr. Joseph Rota, of Rota Advanced Dental Care.

Should I Seek a Second Opinion from a Cosmetic Dentist?

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Hi there,

I’ve wanted to get my teeth fixed for awhile. I asked my dentist about fixing broken front tooth. I asked him if he could place an all-porcelain crown on this tooth, since I want it to look as natural as possible. He recommended a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown instead. He told me that a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is the only crown strong enough to endure daily chewing, as well as stand up to my teeth-grinding habit.

However, after looking at pictures of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, I realized I don’t like how they look. This isn’t a knock against dentists or their work, I just don’t like how a dark line forms between the gum and the crown over time. I avoid smiling enough due to the gap in my teeth, and an unnatural-looking crown would give me another reason to hide my smile. I need the crown but I don’t want it to be obvious that I have one, you know?

I don’t think my dentist will consider a different type of crown in my case. I’m not sure if they even offer different types of crown options. My question is, should I seek a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist? Or will they just tell me that I need a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown due to my teeth grinding? I don’t want to go if a cosmetic dentist can’t offer me any other options. What should I do?

Thank you for your help,

Scotty – New Jersey

 

Hi there Scotty,

Thank you for taking the time to write to us. Seeing a cosmetic dentist is a good solution for you. A good cosmetic dentist will take your concerns about the crown’s appearance into consideration, and offer you a solution that is both effective and aesthetic.

An all-porcelain crown can stand up to chewing and grinding, but the crown will last longer if you wear a mouthguard at night to prevent teeth grinding. Prolonged grinding can make your teeth vulnerable to breakage – even on your teeth without crowns. So you also may want to consider getting a night guard from your dentist for your teeth grinding.

As you mentioned, all PFM crowns develop a dark, black line at the gum line over time, no matter how expertly they were placed. Since your crown is needed on one of your front teeth, PFM crowns they are not the most aesthetic solution.Fortunately, there are lots of different options for crowns that cosmetic dentists can offer you. Some cosmetic dentists, such as Dr. Rota, offer CEREC crowns, which can be made and placed in just one visit thanks to advancements in dental technology.

Your current dentist may only feel comfortable with porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, and there are a lot of reasons for that. PFM crowns are consistently taught at dental schools, and are strong enough for the daily wear-and-tear that chewing causes. For crowns needed on posterior (back) teeth, they can be a cost-effective and efficient solution. Some dentists are more concerned with the technical side of teeth replacement instead of their appearance. In their eyes, a PFM crown will fix the problem, so why does it matter that it’s not the most aesthetic solution? Cosmetic dentists care as much about fixing the problem as they do about smile design, so going to see one with your concerns is a good idea.

A cosmetic dentist is experienced with different types of porcelain crowns, and has had the training and practice needed to effectively place them. It’s best to go to an experienced cosmetic dentist instead of trying to push your current general dentist out of his comfort zone. Even if he agrees to make it, the color may be wrong, or the crown may be placed incorrectly due to him being unfamiliar with the new material. Seeing a cosmetic dentist eliminates this problem.

Before committing to a PFM crown, seek a cosmetic dentist’s second opinion. To find one that is right for you, check out a local or nearby cosmetic dentist’s smile gallery for samples of their previous work. Check reviews to see what patients thought of their work. This is important because  some dentists use cosmetic dentistry for marketing purposes, since it is not a distinct specialization or category. While any dentist can mention cosmetic dentistry, only some have experience or education in the field to backup their claims. For example, Dr. Rota of Colorado Springs has won medals for his smile makeovers in cosmetic dentistry competitions, so be sure to hold the cosmetic dentist you choose to a high standard.

Thank you, and good luck with getting your crown.

This post is sponsored by Colorado Springs cosmetic dentist Dr. Joseph Rota, of Rota Advanced Dental Care.

Does Cosmetic Dentist Need To Replace All Of My Crowns?

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I had crowns placed on all of my front teeth over a decade ago by a cosmetic dentist. During this time, they have done really well, with little to no issues. However, a few weeks ago, two of them began to feel loose.

Unfortunately, my previous cosmetic dentist is no longer practicing, so I visited a new one this week. He shared with me that the edges of my crowns are beginning to decay and they will need to be replaced. In fact, he is suggesting that I have all of the crowns replaced, in order for them to match.

Replacing all of my crowns at one time is not feasible to me financially. I would much rather tackle them one by one, as the need arises. However, I don’t want to have teeth that are various colors and shades either.

Is replacing all of the crowns at one time the only option I have for them to match?

Thank you,
Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn,
I am concerned as to whether or not the dentist you visited was a true cosmetic dentist. While cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA), your dentist’s response is not typical for a dentist who truly specializes in cosmetic dentistry.

A True Cosmetic Dentist Match Crowns Placed at Varying Times

Crowns do not have to be placed at the same time for them to match or blend. There are dentists who will state this is the case, in order for the procedure to be an easier one to perform. However, this is not true. A skilled cosmetic dentist is experienced in the art of dentistry. He or she has the ability to match them perfectly, without placing them at the same time.

Crowns Should Be Replaced If They Show Margins

After crowns reach their full life, they can begin to show their margin, or edges. If the edges of your crowns are visible, it may be best to replace them all, in order to prevent additional decay. Over time, crowns should be replaced, and the time in which you have had yours is right at the cusp when people begin to experience issues.

If any of your crowns are showing margins, replacing them all is a good idea. Additionally, if any of the other teeth have decay, they should all be replaced. If your budget prevents this, or none of the others are showing any of these symptoms, there is nothing wrong with replacing them one at a time.

Determining If Crowns Should Be Replaced All At Once

The best way to determine if you should have your crowns replaced all at once is to return to the dentist who suggested it. Find out why he or she believes they need to be taken care of at one time.

If the answer is for aesthetic reasons only, it’s possible you have visited a provider who is not an expert cosmetic dentist. If this is the case, you are better off consulting another one who is. However, if there are additional concerns, or more than one tooth is causing problems, you should attempt to take care of as many as possible at one time.

This article is brought to you by the office of Colorado Springs cosmetic dentist, Dr. Joseph Rota.

A Expert Cosmetic Dentist Should Be Empathetic

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I have six crowns. When these crowns were originally placed, they were a bleached white color and I loved them. However, I now need the crowns replaced. My dentist fitted me for temporary crowns, which are yellow. This is not pleasing to me at all. Furthermore, he has been unable to have any success with the bite and shape of the temporaries. Yet he wants to proceed and move me onto the final crowns. I am against this, since the fit is not perfect yet.

Anytime I’ve voiced a concern, he loudly and sternly interjects that they are, in fact, perfect. I am at a loss for what to do and am wondering if I should look elsewhere for a new cosmetic dentist to finish out the procedure. Any guidance you can provide would be very helpful.

Thank you,
Jillian

Dear Jillian,
This is a great question and I am sorry that you are experiencing this issue. Unfortunately, what you are mentioning gets at the root of a problem which many dentists have when trying to do the work of a cosmetic dentist. Yet they lack the experience and training to provide solid, reputable dentistry when it comes to appearance.

Your dentist is all but telling you that he has no interest or concern in how or what you think of his work. You have expressed your concern, yet he responds by correcting you and raising his voice, which shows he is not concerns with how you feel.

A Great Cosmetic Dentist is Empathetic

A great cosmetic dentist has many additional hours of training in cosmetic dentistry, as well as hands-on experience. You want a dentist who will help you to look good. A great cosmetic dentist understands that desire and wants to assist you in looking and feeling better about the way you look.

It is that feeling of empathy which urges a solid cosmetic dentist to obtain the training necessary to deliver attractive dentistry. The additional training allows them to focus on their techniques in order for you to walk out of the office feeling confident and beautiful.

It is also this empathetic personality which causes the dentist to want to listen to you. He or she will want to hear your concerns and desires, and focus on helping your dream become a reality. He or she feels strongly that how you feel about your appearance and dental work is of utmost concern.

A Great Cosmetic Dentist Cares About What the Patient Thinks

Sometimes, others in the dentistry profession consider cosmetic dentists to be too concerned with the opinions of the patients. They are thought to be catering to the patient.

This opinion is the result of educators in dental school. Many of them believe that what is best for the patient exceeds the interests and opinions of the patient. Unfortunately, this philosophy is something that is fundamentally ingrained in a dentist. A dentist be an successful and excellent dentist, yet their priorities may not be aligned with that of a cosmetic dentist.

How to Find A Great Cosmetic Dentist

You are right to follow your instincts here. You need to find a cosmetic dentist who will want you to be happy with his work. Changing providers mid-procedure should not cause any issues.

A true cosmetic dentist is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) which requires extensive study, adherence to specific standards and an examination to qualify as a member of the organization.

In addition to membership in the AACD, the cosmetic dentist should have undergone post-graduate training, in addition to what he or she received in dental school, receiving specialized training in aesthetics, as well as taking continuing education courses to further their craft. Research dentists in your area and pay attention to their About page on their web sites, or call the office and ask about these important details.

Also pay attention to smile galleries, where dentists house before and after photographs of their work. This will help you get a sense of the quality of work you would receive.

Also remember that a great cosmetic dentist will empathize with your concerns and wishes. Often dentists will offer short consultations, where patients are given a brief amount of time to ask questions. An empathetic dentist will genuinely want to help you.

This article was provided by the office of Colorado Springs cosmetic dentist, Dr. Joseph Rota.

Can a cosmetic dentist fix my crowns?

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I had a tooth with composite bonding chip on me. Unfortunately, my long-time dentist retired and his replacement indicated a need for veneers. Then, when he learned my I had fillings, he said crowns were my only option. I know nothing about dentistry, so I had no reason to question him or feel the need for a second opinion. The end result was several porcelain crowns on my front teeth which all look awful. The color of the front two teeth is grayer than others and fail to blend in with the other crowns. Is there anything I can do?

Thank you,
Stacey

 

Stacey,

Unfortunately, your options are limited to having at least the front two crowns re-done. Your dentist should do this without charging you if he or she cares enough about his work and your satisfaction. However, you should insist on a try-in before any bonding takes place. You should also be sure to look closely at the crowns before bonding or cementing takes place. The try-in should be done with a clear paste. This will prevent a false indication of the final color by helping to relay the color of the natural teeth through the porcelain in the crowns. It seems like the dentist may have little experience in cosmetic dentistry, therefore he or she is unlikely to have try-in pastes. If this is the case, clear glycerin, or a clear water-soluble gel will work.  

If the dentist is not willing to do this or gives you any opposition, I would find an experienced cosmetic dentist.

This article is brought to you by Colorado cosmetic dentist, Dr. Joseph Rota.

 

 

What to consider when picking a cosmetic dentist

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If you were interested in a cosmetic surgery procedure, you would likely do your research before landing on a surgeon. The same time, care, and caution should be used when looking for a cosmetic dentist. Many dentists will claim to be cosmetic dentists, but that is not always the case. Because cosmetic dentistry is not a regulated phrase, any dentist can claim to be one. However, a true cosmetic dentist should be one who is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). The AACD requires strenuous study, adhering to specific standards and an examination to qualify as a member of the organization. In addition to membership in the AACD, a true cosmetic dentist will have undergone post-graduate training, in addition to what he or she received in dental school, receiving specialized training in aesthetics, as well taking continuing education courses are steps that great cosmetic dentists take to further their craft.

In addition, a good, reputable cosmetic dentist showcases his or work with real-life testimonials in the form of before and after photographs. Seeing the actual smile makeovers will allow you to gauge the quality of work you will receive. Because cosmetic dentistry is truly a form of art, you should always expect that a solid cosmetic dentist will only use top quality supplies, materials, and labs. This may also be reflected in the dentist’s fees, but is a way to receive quality results, as a true cosmetic surgeon would accept nothing less than the best.

Lastly, a true cosmetic dentist wants to give you the smile you’ve been dreaming of. Therefore, he or she should listen to what you want, and do whatever they can to provide you with the results you have been hoping for. They should want first and foremost for you to have good overall dental health, and insist on correcting any dental health problems prior to performing any cosmetic procedures.

You should feel very good and confident with whomever you choose to be your cosmetic dentist. Taking steps to change your smile will be life-changing as well, and thus, it’s crucial to consider all of the above factors when making your decision.

This blog post is provided by the office of Colorado Springs cosmetic dentist Dr. Joseph Rota.

 

My veneers look fake

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I went to a cosmetic dentist to have veneers done on my upper front teeth. However, they are too bulky, too white, and look fake. I shared my concern, but was told by my dentist that I just need to give it time and will get used to them. Is this truly the case, or, I am a right in my concern?

Thank you,
Deb

Dear Deb,

It is clear that your veneers have not met your expectations. When you spend a significant amount of time and money on a cosmetic dental procedure such as veneers, or any procedure for that matter, you should not have to “get used to them.” It is likely that your dentist did no-prep veneers, or possibly did not remove enough of the tooth structure, which has resulted in them feeling big and bulky. Beautiful veneers are the result of an excellent cosmetic dentist, with an artistic eye, combined with the best lab and materials. It is important thoroughly research to find the best cosmetic dentist for the procedure. I hope you did this prior to yours. If you have not yet communicated that you are unhappy with your veneers, I suggest you let your dentist know how you are feeling. He or she should be able to correct the issue and work with you to make it right.

This blog post is sponsored by Colorado Springs cosmetic dentist, Dr. Joseph Rota.